NNPC denies receiving memo mandating it to take over OML11 from Shell

- NNPC has denied receiving memo from the presidency mandating it to take over OML from Shell

- The corporation's spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, made this known against report that it has been given directive to take over the oil bloc

- OML 11, which is located is in the Niger Delta region, is owned by four Joint Venture (JV) partners Shell, Agip, total, NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it has neither received letter nor directives from presidency mandating it to take over the operatorship of the entire Oil Mining Leases 11 from SPDC, a local arm of Anglo Dutch oil major operated by Shell.

Reacting to the purported directive, NNPC spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, on Thursday, March 14, said the corporation did not receive any letter signed by the chief of staff to the presidency, Abba Kyari.

Ndu Ughamadu also added that the NNPC will decline comment until it received directive from the president.

Recall that a memo with a reference number SH/COS/24/A/8540 dated March 1 had emerged on Wednesday, March 13, mandating the cooperation to take over the OML 11 from Shell.

The memo, purportedly signed by Chief of Staff Kyari read: “NNPC/NPDC to take over the operatorship, from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), of the entire OML 11 not later than 30 April 2019 and ensure smooth re-entry given the delicate situation in Ogoniland."

NNPC has, however, denied receiving the memo, adding that the cooperation has not even sighted any such letter.

Legit.ng gathers that OML 11, which is located in the Niger Delta region, is owned by four Joint Venture (JV) partners: Shell, Agip, total, NNPC.

The bloc, which is operated by Shell, has 33 oil and gas fields of which eight were producing as per 2017, being one of the most oil producing oil blocs in Nigeria. NNPC owns 55 % stake, while Shell has 30, Total 10 while Agip has 5%.